Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Concerns in West Bengal, India

Adolescence is a period of life that is full of fundamental changes. The adolescents attempt to achieve autonomy from their parents & guardians. In this rapidly changing world, these adolescents & young people are vulnerable to a variety of risks. Many of the risks faced by them are due to lack of physical stability, consumption of excessive calories, abuse of drugs and risky sexual behaviors which can lead to HIV/AIDS. As per reproductive health is concerned; information on these issues are lacking. Apart from that information on anaemia, tuberculosis, also on their mental health & substance use patterns together with life skills is also poorly available. This study is a rigorous attempt to bring all key findings together from a state wide study. Health Vision and Research is implementing an Adolescent Health programme in 19 districts in 59 villages catering 3,42,000 population and 1,14,000 adolescents & young people. This report is a baseline study for understanding adolescent sexual & reproductive health concerns and other adolescent health issues in West Bengal in India. This may benefit academicians & policy makers.